Green Economy and Green Building Grants for Nonprofits

The “green economy” refers to a focus on projects that focus on sustainability, reduced environmental risks and eco-friendly practices. Transitioning over to a greener economy is essential to combating climate change, reducing pollution and accessing energy that is renewable. A major pillar of the green economy is going to be green building, reducing the environmental impact of construction and operation of buildings. Beyond the environmental benefits, these activities help unlock entirely new job sectors and economic opportunities. However, federal interest in the green economy is rapidly vanishing. This is why it's up to nonprofit organizations to help fund these kinds of initiatives.

But these nonprofits can only do their work through the generous funding provided by grants. Green building grants can be put towards all sorts of projects and initiatives. These could include green workforce development, eco-friendly building projects, and advocacy for energy efficiency.  

While traditionally federal agencies were involved in this space, many nonprofits will have to rely on private foundations for green building grants. Examples of these could include the Surdna Foundation or Bloomberg Philanthropies. 

When drafting green building and economy grants, it's essential that you backup your claims with data. You need to prove that there is a gap in the development of green buildings and the economy, and that your nonprofit is positioned to make a real difference. Good places to get started finding data could include the International Labour Organization and the U.S. Green Building Council. 

If you need more tips on writing great grant proposals, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also start browsing a selection of green building grants right here, all open for applications.